The Theft of the Royal Ruby (24 Feb. 1991)
"Agatha Christie's Poirot" The Theft of the Royal Ruby (original title)

Poirot reluctantly agrees to help an Egyptian prince recover a valuable royal ruby that was brazenly stolen from him during the Christmas holidays.

Director:

Andrew Grieve

Writers:

Anthony Horowitz (dramatized by), Clive Exton (dramatized by),

Stars:

David Suchet, Frederick Treves, Stephanie Cole

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
David Suchet	...	Hercule Poirot
Frederick Treves	...	Colonel Lacey
Stephanie Cole	...	Mrs Lacey
David Howey	...	Jesmond
Tariq Alibai	...	Prince Farouk
Helena Michell	...	Sarah Lacey
John Vernon	...	David Welwyn
Nigel Le Vaillant	...	Desmond Lee-Wortley
Robyn Moore	...	Gloria
John Dunbar	...	Peverill
Alessia Gwyther	...	Bridget
Jonathan R. Scott	...	Colin (as Jonathan S. Bancroft)
Edward Holmes	...	Michael
Siobhan Garahy	...	Annie Bates
Susan Field	...	Mrs Ross

Storyline

When Prince Farouq of Egypt foolishly lets a tart wear a fabulously valuable royal ruby, she simply walks away with it. With Hastings away in Scotland for the Christmas holidays, Poirot finds himself spending Christmas with the Lacey family. Colonel Lacey, a well-known Egyptologist, was one of the few people who knew the ruby was in England. As Poirot investigates, he learns that the Colonel is having financial difficulties and also that one of the house guests, Desmond Lee-Wortley, may not be of the soundest character. With the help of the children in the household, Poirot sets a trap for the thief.

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Plot Keywords:

murder mystery

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Crime | Thriller

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 February 1991 (UK)

Filming Locations:

Twickenham Studios, Twickenham, Middlesex, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

ITV Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min 50 min (36 episodes)

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The original name of this story is "The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding"

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Quotes

[first lines]
Prince Farouk: One of my father's most valued possessions. From the reign of the Pharaoh Pherisees.
[Waiter empties Champagne into his glass]
Prince Farouk: Some more.
Waiter: Yes, Your Highness.
Prince Farouk: And some coffee for the woman.
Waiter: Very good, Your Highness.
Prince Farouk: [as Iris rises] Where're you going?
Iris Moffatt: Just going to powder my nose; won't be a minute.

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Soundtracks

"Deck the Halls"
(uncredited)
Traditional

User Reviews

A delicious Christmas pudding

A Christie story which is not unlike Conan Doyle' s style (the king of Bohemia affair) .Here Poirot has got to help an arrogant spoiled Arabian prince to recover an invaluable ruby (and catch the thief too) .The plot takes to us to the de rigueur (modern this time) desirable mansion where the suspects stay.And as it is Christmas,they are making plum pudding in the kitchen:one for Xmas meal and another one for new year's day.And would you believe it? Poirot finds a precious stone in his pudding.But didn't someone warn him? Do not eat any pudding!Anyway,we are told -and it was not the first time-that he likes chocolates best .

As sweet as Christmas pudding.